Frequently asked questions about smart meters

• What are the advantages of smart meters?

  Advanced meters can be read remotely so there's no need for a meter reader to come on to your property, which is handy if your meter is indoors or you have animals. They also enable remote disconnection and connection.

  The final reading - which is required when leaving a property or changing retailers - can occur almost immediately.

  Every electricity bill is based on 'actual' readings - no more estimates!

  Smart meters allow electricity retailers to offer 'time-of-use' pricing options, meaning the cost per kWh will vary at different times of the day (often called peak, shoulder, or off-peak rates). Most retailers also have technology which allows you to analyse your electricity usage per hour, day or month.

  They can measure electricity both ways, so can record electricity being generated by a solar panel or wind turbine that's being exported back to the grid.

• Are there any concerns about radio frequency fields used in smart meters?

  Information is only transmitted from smart meters once a day, for less than a minute.

  Radio transmissions from smart meters is regulated and must comply with legal requirements.

  If you have concerns, general information about exposure standards and health effects is available from National Radiation Laboratory of Environmental Science and Research Ltd - esr.cri.nz, or contact your electricity retailer.

• When new meters are installed, do they have a zero reading?

  Generally yes, but your retailer will have a note of your opening reading if it wasn't zero.

• Can I still switch between electricity retailers when I've got one of their advanced meters?

  Yes you can because the meter is owned by the metering equipment provider. They will also be switched to your new retailer from the date you decide to change.

• Can I refuse to have an advanced meter installed?

  Yes you can refuse to have an advanced meter but your retailer may charge you extra for having one of their meter readers manually come and read your meter.